This Stratocaster is an expertly rendered 2005 re-creation of a custom color 1959 model, as per the notes of esteemed Master Builder John English. The "Master Designed" series are built to the specs laid out by Fender's top expert builders, overseen but not personally hand-assembled by them. This instrument dates to 2005 and was one of a limited edition of these models made with all design elements personal choices of John English.

The Sonic blue finish on the alder body is a thin period-style lacquer, slightly faded with small factory dings and dents. The neck finish is pre-sanded on the back and there is some pre-ageing rust on the saddles and pickup polepieces. The pickups are Fender's "fat '50s" models, with a 5-way switch (3-way also included) and a tone circuit with the lowest knob working on the bridge pickup as well as the traditional middle.

John English passed away in 2007 and the instruments he built and designed for Fender have become some of the most sought after of latter-day examples. This is a superb and sweet-sounding Strat; a fine example of some of the best work the recent Fender operation has turned out.

This guitar appears very little used; with its relic features it's hard to rate "near mint", although that's what it likely is! Comes with the original case showing some light wear and all the case candy, including the Fender Custom Shop leatherette folder with all paperwork intact. A fine example of a newer Strat that doesn't feel like one! Excellent + Condition.